Story perspectives

Fire Kills 16 at Kenya Girls Academy, 79 Injured

5/28/2026

Summary

Ruto Declares Mourning

A fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil on May 28 2026 killed 16 students.
Education Minister Julius Ogamba said 79 students were injured, with 71 discharged and seven hospitalized.
Police commander Masoud Mwinyi reported 220 students were sleeping in the dormitory when the blaze began at 01:00.
President William Ruto declared three days of mourning while Kenya Red Cross sent ambulances and aid and Directorate of Criminal Investigations opened a probe.

Summary

Passaris Urges Safety

A parent alleges the matron failed to alert students, opened one dormitory exit and gave no evacuation warning.
Authorities opened a 1199 hotline to give parents information and counselling after the fire.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris urged greater investment in school fire-safety infrastructure.
Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo urged nationwide disaster-preparedness capacity.
Former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi urged urgent re-examination of safety standards in Kenyan schools.

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Ruto Declares Mourning

A fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil on May 28 2026 killed 16 students.
Education Minister Julius Ogamba said 79 students were injured, with 71 discharged and seven hospitalized.
Police commander Masoud Mwinyi reported 220 students were sleeping in the dormitory when the blaze began at 01:00.
President William Ruto declared three days of mourning while Kenya Red Cross sent ambulances and aid and Directorate of Criminal Investigations opened a probe.

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